Scam Cases Among Youth Build Scam Resistance Vigilance Among Young Malaysians

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A BELIAWANIS MCA leader has expressed concern over the recent report on telecommunication scams whereby according to data, nearly one-third of all scam victims in Malaysia consist of young adults aged between 21 and 30.
Its chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen said many young people are being targeted through promises of fast money, easy returns, fake investments and online schemes designed to exploit ambition, financial pressure and digital exposure.
“It must be stressed clearly and honestly: Unless one is born into a very wealthy family, bequeathed with inheritance or a trust fund, or has genuinely struck the lottery, there are no shortcuts to getting rich fast and easy,” she stressed.
“Sustainable success does not come overnight. It is built through sheer hard work, street smartness, reading the market accurately, choosing strategic locations, networking with the right sources and industries, and continuously upgrading one’s skills and knowledge. Any offer that promises guaranteed profits with little effort should immediately raise red flags.”
On Sunday (Dec 21), Bukit Aman’s commercial crime investigation department revealed that 28,698 telecommunications crime cases were reported nationwide from January to November this year with losses amounting to RM715 mil.
The 31 to 40 age group recorded the second-highest number of victims, totalling 6,825, followed by those aged 41 to 50, involving 4,977 victims.
In addition, 3,382 individuals aged between 51 and 60 were reported to have fallen victim, while 2,763 cases involved seniors aged 60 and above. Meanwhile, another 1,962 victims were youths aged 15 to 20.
To prevent more young adults from falling prey to scams, Low emphasised the importance of strengthening financial literacy education.
“Financial education must go beyond basic budgeting. Young adults need practical training on investments, risk assessment, common scam tactics and how legitimate businesses operate,” she remarked.
“We must also encourage young people to verify offers through official channels, regulators, banks or trusted professionals before committing money or sharing personal information.
“Anti-scam messaging must actively reach young adults where they are, that is, on social media, messaging apps and digital platforms, using real case studies and clear warnings.”
Low said schoold, universities and employers should further highlight that wealth creation is a long-term process based on skills, experience, networking and strategic thinking and location, not overnight gains.
“There needs to also be stronger collaboration between authorities, telcos and platformsFaster detection, blocking of scam numbers, fake accounts and suspicious transactions is essential to disrupt scams before they spread,” she continued.
“Scams thrive where desperation meets deception. By equipping young adults with knowledge, realism and critical thinking, we can reduce vulnerability and protect an entire and subsequent generations from financial harm.”
Those who fall victim to such crimes are advised to lodge  reports with the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, verify information through the Semak Mule portal, and report the incident to the police for further action. ‒  Focus Malaysia

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